Online Burning Permit System

You can be fined up to $25,000 for illegal open burning in N.C.

Smoke from open burning can cause serious health problems and pollute the air. That's why the state regulates open burning. Only leaves, branches or other plant growth can be burned.

It's illegal to burn:

Garbage, paper and cardboard

Tires and other rubber products

Building materials, including lumber Wire, plastics and synthetic materials

Asphalt shingles and heavy oils

Paints, household and agricultural chemicals

Homeowners can burn yard trimmings (excluding logs and stumps) if allowable under local ordinances, no public pickup is available, and it doesn't cause a public nuisance. Other allowable burning includes campfires, outdoor barbeques, and bonfires for festive occasions. Landowners can also open burn vegetation to clear land or rights-of-way, provided that: